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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Darn It!

Sorry to use such strong language, but I have no choice, because this… is a darning egg. A practical sewing implement that was used to repair holes in socks, stockings, gloves, silks, wools… everything! A darning egg was placed beneath the fabric and a matching shade of thread or yarn was used to finely stitch the frayed material back together. It was less visible and a much better match than a patch.

This darning egg is wood with a silver handle from the late 1800s. Sewing was a key pastime ands a practical skill that all young ladies were required to have. That said, you can find sewing implements that are quite ornately carved or embossed and made from precious materials such as ivory, silver, gold, or jade. Sewing scissor holders, thimbles, needle cases and other chatelaines were monogrammed and given as gifts.

This sweet darner is for darning gloves, hence the long shaft with double ends of different sizes. Darling!

This black wooden darner has a gorgeous silver inlay piece. This would add a bit of style without the price of a full silver handle.

I found this fun and novel darner (and the cool box!) when I was on vacation in Kansas City. A figural darning egg of a lady made of porcelain with the message “Darn It” at the bottom. Aren’t the little blue feet precious? The box with the verse was just so fun I has to have it too!

This darner is made from blown glass. I’ve not run across another yet. I thought one in every color would make a nice bouquet in a glass vase, right?

Darn it, I hope you found something of interest in this post that might cause you to “darn it” too. Hmm… like a milk glass bowl of them displayed in your sewing or crafts room perhaps? Just saying!

Hugs,

Patti

And thank you all for participating in our"What's It Wednesday"linky party!Don't forget to grab a feature button.

I remember my mom sewing holes in my socks (eggless) and when I had kids it seemed the thing to do.... till I had another kid, and another, and another, etc.... Then I just decided they were cheap enough at Target to go buy more because I didn't have time to sew them. I bet it's a lost art.

Oh "darnit" Patti!... every time I look at your posts, I want to start another collection!... tee hee hee... my mama ALWAYS darned our socks!... and I remember her using one just like those, she had a special "darning" box with all of the threads and such... my, how times have changed... I miss those times... thanks for sharing your fabulous collections!... and yes, I bought my first vintage pill box (after seeing yours)... to go with my newer ones... it is a vintage Limoges and I can't wait for it to come... also can't wait to see what all else you collect, I know it will be stunning!... Happy Spring!... xoxo Julie Marie Hello Paula!

You two do have some amazing collections! And I loved reading everyone's darn comments about this one!!!

Thank you so much for featuring my new backsplash. Mr. Rosemary Lane is pretty proud of it too. Now that his hard work got featured maybe I can use it to finagle him into doing a few more projects around here!

Your collectibles are always so unique and fun:)Love all the different intricate handles of the "darning eggs" and the hand blown glass one is so pretty! Thanks for sharing your awesome collection and for the party!Have a great week!~Poppy

Patti- Those are some pretty fancy looking darning eggs. Love them! I have two that belonged to my gramma and they are both just the plain ones. I can remember her sitting and darning my Uncle's socks! xo Diana

Fabulous collection! This is not a sewing implement that I collect so I don't search these out, but even so I have never seen a darner with a silver handle before...how common (or uncommon) were they for the time?

Hello! I hope you don't mind that I linked up several post but if that is not allowed then I will not do it next time.Thanks again for your invitation to join your party!! And thanks so much for hosting!!

Hi lovely lady.You have a wonderful collections of Treasures in your lovely home, all are so beautiful. Thanks so much for hosting your linky party.I also hope you have a wonderful week with your family.XXOO Diane

Love your collection!! I only have one lonely darning piece, but I am looking for more! I love sewing notions and have quite a few, but always I'm looking for more! Love your displays as usual!Thanks so much,Doni

Hello, this is Orchid.Thank you very much for your very generous comment for my blog. I am glad to be your friend. Today I'm going out for errand from now and not much time to read your blog at the moment, but I'll come back later and maybe leave a comment again.Your new friend from Japan♪ orchid*

Thanks for stopping by. Posting the hummingbird too!The nest is in a chandelier and it is hanging in our patio area. I can see it looking down from our bedroom window. Couldn't ask for a better spot to peek.

oh wow!! I love looking at all these wonderful posts. And most of all i love learning something new everyday...darning is soo darn interesting...thank you for this information!!I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

Dear Patti, thank you, as always, for sharing such fascinating pieces! These darning implements always make me think of my grandmother. She was constantly darning!! heee..:)I now have one of her little pieces, but do not have a clue as to how to use it. So I think I will just enjoy the memories!Hugs,- Irina

I don't have any darning eggs, couldn't use them if I did - Darn it! I did love this post and the way everything, even common household items used to be made to be beautiful. I miss that now. By the way, that first image is stunning.

I love your bird third hand. It's in such good condition. I have bird too too, but my little pincushion part is missing, so now I know what it should look like... I always thought the fabric should be red, but I love our blue. Wonderful collecion and I love the title! Nice blog and I'm glad I found you!Terri

The Ladies of Ivy and Elephants

We are Moms, dreamers, visionaries, and creators. Our love for all things vintage and Victorian is evident throughout our homes. We are passionate about our families, friends, food, and fabulous finds. We are Ivy & Elephants.